Federici won’t go to Asian Cup

The tournament is due to start next month and Federici was named in the provisional squad a week ago, however he will not travel to Qatar after missing out on selection for the final squad,

The Royals stopper had said that he would only consider going if he was guaranteed to be the number 1, but with the selection of Mark Schwarzer that looks unlikely and the main reason for his exclusion.

Federici is out of contract this summer and will be looking to play as many games as possible, whether that will be to earn a new deal at the Mad Stad or at a bigger club elsewhere, that remains to be seen.

It will be welcome news to Brian McDermott though who would have had a headache of which young, but inexperienced, keeper to play during the spell.